Constitutional lawyer Datuk Roger Chin has assured the public that his appointment as a nominated assemblyman in Sabah’s Legislative Assembly will not compromise his advocacy for the state’s rights.
Speaking on Facebook, Chin emphasized that he will remain independent, as the only assemblyman in the legislature not affiliated with any political party. He said his role was based on professional expertise, not political allegiance.
“My independence is intact, and it will remain that way. If anything, this role gives me a firmer platform to speak up when it truly matters,” Chin wrote.
He highlighted that nominated assemblymen exist to provide professional perspectives and represent communities or issues that are often underrepresented in policymaking.
Chin, a former Sabah Law Society president, was instrumental in a landmark High Court case securing Sabah’s long-standing demand for the return of 40 percent of its revenue.
Despite being given short notice about the appointment, Chin believes it is a timely opportunity to advance Sabah’s interests from within the legislature.
“Eventually I realised that if I truly want to help finish what we started, I need to be on the platform where laws are made — not just critiquing from the outside, but negotiating directly where decisions are shaped,” he said.
Chin reassured the public, saying he would continue to speak out and uphold his principles, adding, “Independence isn’t just a condition for me — it’s the entire reason I accepted this responsibility in the first place.”
